Standing Strong without being a Butt

Intro

Last week’s topic? What’s the problem in the world

Everyone has different viewpoint

Travis and I talking about the things we like and don’t like about Trump/Hillary

Trump and I wouldn’t be friends, but I respect him

You will develop viewpoints about politics and the world

Some good, some bad

How do we interact with people, esp. Christians, who disagree with us doctrinally or politically?

Not round them up and kill them. Sounds like a crusader or jihadist

How can we keep our friends we disagree with and not compromise theologically?

Things to Compromise

Divisive topics?

(Abortion, climate change, Calvinism/Arminianism, transgenderism, homosexual marriage, gender roles, gun control, immigration, etc.)

Some issues are gray areas:

Climate Change, Calvinism, gun control

Everyone will debate this—Christians and non-Christians

Some issues are clear:

Abortion? Some people say it’s not in the Bible

Tupperware and cake

Psalm 139:13–14 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Sexuality is also clear:

Genesis 1:27 ESV

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

What’s unpopular:

Disagreeing with the world!

Source is itself. All reasoning is circular in root.

Our source is circular, too: God Himself

Which voice do you believe?

Which one truly means you well? Which one means you harm?

Who are your closest friends? Christians or nonChristians?

If your closest friends are Christians, is it because this is the bubble, or because you love being mutually sharpened towards having a robust character like Jesus?

If you have more non-Christian friends (or friends who just don’t care about their faith), is it because you have refused to stand up for what you believe in when you disagree, or is it because you don’t start a fight when people disagree but you still love them because they are people??

It’s important to practice sharing what you believe when people believe differently

What about when it’s not a gray issue, but a Biblical one?

Abortion, profane language, etc.

Doctrine, too

Trinity, salvation by grace through faith, etc.

These show where someone truly stands with trusting God

Every Word, every command: “Do you trust me? Do you believe me when I say I mean you well and not harm?”

We don’t debate to win, we converse so others will see that God is trustworthy and good by hearing of His love.

Questions

What are some controversial topics that you and your friends have discussed? How do you react if you disagree with what they believe?

Which do you have more of: Christian friends or non-Christian friends? Why do you think that is?

What are the 3 words you wish your friends would use to describe about you? What are the 3 words you would use to describe Jesus, and why?

What are the 3 most accurate words you would use to describe Jesus, and why?

says, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” If we are to be both loving and truthful, what does that look like? Which comes easier for you, and why?

Application

Calling

Called not to act like dirt bags

Called not to be punching bags

Called to generously give the same kindness you’ve received

Season your speech with salt! Add the butter, make it gentle and grace-filled

Colossians 4:6 ESV

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Loosing kindness is a loss

Listen humbly instead of arrogantly

James 1:19–21 ESV

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:19-

Nobody likes the friend who thinks he knows everything

Jesus = most loved man in history. Act like Him

Know where you stand

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Don’t have to have whole Bible memorized

“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

Isaiah 40:8 ESV

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Stand upon the Word

Pray

If you have questions, go to gotquestions.org

If you have suggested topics, that is what I will teach on in the future for Friday nights!